Album Review: Wolftooth - Wizard's Light
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
With the “Hymn of Belgarath” leading us into the grandiose fantasy world of Wolftooth, the quintet from Richmond, Indiana return with their fourth studio album to rock the foundations like never before. Building on their history of energetic NWOBHM and stoner doom, they reach into the depths of classic heavy metal to unleash new material via Ripple Music.
It’s a big sound that they bring with them, as “Sightless Archer” leads the full-frontal assault, with the crushing drums from Shane Shook, setting the platform for others to shine. My instant reaction is that I’ve stumbled upon Manowar-esque vibes, with battle hymns aplenty, but they offer a lot more than just that.
The compositions are dramatic throughout the album, with the guitar riffs and solos from Jeff Cole, Jeremy Lovins and Chris Sullivan, who also performs vocals, showing real depth. You get a delicious doom sound on the introduction to “Darkened Path” which fills my blackened heart with joy, but it’s the album title track, “Wizard’s Light” where the band really light up the album. They turn in a mightily impressive performance with a bluesy based beginning that leads to a heavy rock track that it catchy as hell, with a sweet bassline and solo that bursts out in the middle section.
They build upon this with a few more powerful sounding tracks around the midway point of the album, with “Sands of Redemption” having a few notable solos that really lights up the song. They keep the rhythm nice and tight, Terry McDaniel doing a sterling job on bass, with “Eternal Hunt” having that instant head banging appeal for anyone who enjoys doom metal.
The band have progressed more towards the metal side of things on this album, but the undeniably catchy stoner and doom riffs are still audible. You can hear this on “Armor of Steel” which sounds as if they are leading you on a crusade to Valhalla, with the vocal having that sense of an Army General about it. The theme continues with the fist pumping anthem that is “War Brigade” which is elevated by a big solo before the drums get a good thumping.
With two tracks left, there’s a dramatic entrance for “Bloodline” which invokes images of men on horseback riding down a hill with swords drawn ready to kill and main all before them. It’s an adventurous album, which takes you on a whirlwind pilgrimage of passion and exhilaration with the thrilling “All Father” showcasing exactly what the band are all about.
